Meet our staff

President & CEO

(she/her/hers)

Professional 
For 25 years, I have devoted my career to purpose-driven work in the nonprofit arena. As President & CEO, I’m responsible for leading strategy development, in partnership with IDF’s Board of Trustees, and I have operational responsibility for managing staff and implementing essential IDF programs. Having held key roles in advocacy, volunteer development, mission, operations, revenue, culture change, and internal communications, I developed a deep understanding of the nonprofit sector and a passion for serving others. I am a nonprofit executive by trade and an advocate for the immunocompromised by choice.

Personal  
I have an eclectic taste in music and movies. With movies in particular, I love film noir from the 1940s, dramas from the 1950s, and sci-fi and thriller movies from the 1960s, ‘70s, and ‘80s.

Fun Fact  
Longhorn cattle roam freely near my home. It’s not uncommon to look out my window and see a giant pair of horns looking back at me!

Education  
I hold a bachelor’s degree in English with a minor in psychology from Texas A&M University.

Director of human resources

Professional 
I am a human resources professional with over 20 years of experience leading teams in talent acquisition, employee relations, employee engagement, benefits, human resource information systems administration, and data analysis. My career has spanned multiple industries including healthcare, non-profit, and retail. With IDF, I serve as the director of human resources for a workforce of 40 employees and more than 400 volunteers serving the PI community.

Personal  
The youngest of eight children, I grew up in Erie, Pennsylvania. After spending 14 years in Atlanta, I reside near Pittsburg with my wife and two sons.

Fun fact 
A bit of a thrill seeker, I have been 145 feet underwater on the deck of an aircraft carrier, swam with sharks, rode a motorcycle up the Tail of the Dragon in the North Georgia mountains, and enjoy target shooting.

Education 
I attended Penn State Behrend where I majored in psychology, and I hold a Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification.

Executive assistant 

Professional 
I have been with IDF since 2014 as the executive assistant and part of the leadership team. I have the best job with the foundation because I work with all departments. My favorite responsibility is assisting IDF President and CEO, Jorey Berry. Another core responsibility is being the liaison to the IDF Board of Trustees.

Before IDF, I worked in the private school sector for 13 years, which solidified my passion for administrative excellence. I believe in the IDF mission and its core values. My work with the Get Connected Groups during the pandemic brought the mission of IDF full circle for me and reminded me of why we do what we do every day. The courage and perseverance of the PI community inspire me.

Personal  
My greatest joy comes from my roles as a mom to two amazing daughters and proud "Gram" to five beautiful grandchildren, the oldest being 4. These little people ground me in what matters most.

Fun fact 
I love country music, and I wish I could line dance.

Volunteer manager

(she/her/hers)

Professional 
I have worked in fundraising for nonprofits since 2014. I joined IDF in 2019 as a development coordinator, was promoted to development manager, and now serve as the volunteer manager. I enjoy connecting to the PI community and IDF volunteers by managing the Walks for PI and the Do-It-Yourself fundraising program. As the volunteer manager, I build relationships with volunteers and help them find opportunities to make a difference in the PI community.

Personal  
Born and raised in Maryland, I currently reside in West Virginia. I coach and compete in competitive baton twirling and have won many national, regional, and state titles. I also love to travel and chances are if I am on vacation, it is on a cruise. I am a big animal lover, and I’m especially fond of my two chihuahuas Ducky and Chomper, and my shih-poo, Scamper.

Fun fact 
My mom and I appeared in a Carnival Cruise Line commercial when they were celebrating their 50th anniversary. 

Education 
I hold two bachelor's degrees, one in biology and one in psychology, from Hood College. I hold a master's degree in health administration from Walden University and I’m earning a doctoral degree in public health with a focus in epidemiology from Walden University.

Chief communications officer

(she/her/hers) 

Professional  
Before joining the team at IDF, I worked at the American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, Gateway Maryland, and the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, where I was involved in community outreach, fundraising, media relations, public policy, and graphic design. Today, I lead a team of 10 who work to tell patient stories, raise awareness for primary immunodeficiency (and the organization), and ensure that you know where to find the resources you need. I’m proud to represent IDF as a member of the World PI Week planning committee.

Personal 
An avid kayaker, dog lover, and ever-hopeful Orioles fan, I volunteer at my local NPR station and chair the community advisory board. My husband and I love listening to live music whenever and wherever possible. 

Fun fact 
My Wordle streak is 614 days and counting!

Education 
I received my undergraduate degree from West Chester University, where I double majored in political science and public administration and minored in music. I attended graduate school at the University of Maryland before completing my master's program in public administration (MPA) at Nova Southeastern University with a concentration in nonprofit leadership.

Director of events

Professional 
Before joining the IDF team, I worked in the Shepherd University Student Center during the four years I attended. Upon graduation, I began at IDF as a temporary worker before being hired full-time, and I’ve earned several promotions over the years. As director of events, I plan, organize, and execute in-person events, such as the IDF Conference, Teen Escape, and Advocacy Day. I manage all aspects of event logistics, including budget, site selection, vendor contracting, audio-visual equipment, catering, transportation, and staffing.

Personal 
My husband and I stay busy with our two boys and two dogs, but when I find time, I enjoy reading, cooking, and relaxing at the beach.

Fun fact 
I was involved in the West Virginia 4-H program for almost 20 years and earned the 4-H All Star designation, the highest honor a 4-H’er can achieve.

Education 
I double majored and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in business and family and consumer science from Shepherd University.

Senior creative director

Professional 
As senior creative director at IDF, I guide the creative process for most of the visuals, publications, and materials we produce. Throughout my 18-plus-year tenure ascending through communications roles of increasing responsibility, I've spearheaded over 15 website launches and redesigns. Additionally, I've overseen production on dozens of major publications while being hands-on in the creative development of hundreds of print and digital pieces. I take great pride in continuously enhancing how we educate, empower, and support people living with PI.

Personal 
When not at work, my greatest passions are fishing, watching college and professional sports, and spending time outdoors with my wife and two children. I especially cherish watching them play sports and our family beach vacations together.

Fun fact 
I'm a music enthusiast with eclectic tastes spanning classical to hip-hop. I enjoy writing lyrics, singing vocals, playing guitar, and can even freestyle rap.

Education 
I hold a bachelor's degree in communications with an emphasis in public relations from Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania, where I also minored in art.

Director of marketing and communications

(she/her/hers)

Professional 
After receiving my undergraduate degree in 2019, I joined IDF as a communications specialist. I created content for fundraising initiatives, including Walk for PI, interviewed PI community members, and developed campaigns documenting our successes. I then earned my MBA and was promoted to communications and marketing manager. I currently work behind the scenes to raise awareness about PI in the general public and among healthcare professionals. Through strategic marketing campaigns, I amplify the voices of those impacted by PI and foster a deeper understanding of these rare, chronic conditions.

Personal  
Living in Maryland with my husband and two cats, I enjoy cooking, reading, being active, and spending time with family and friends. I'm a passionate foodie who loves exploring diverse cuisines and flavors. Sharing good food and conversation with loved ones brings me great happiness.

Fun fact 
I was a gymnast for 12 years, training more than 30 hours a week. You can still find me doing handstands. 

Education 
I hold a bachelor's degree in marketing and a minor in communications from Shippensburg University and a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in business analytics from Frostburg University.

Director of science and policy communications

(she/her/hers)

Professional 
I have forged a career combining my love of science with public outreach and communications. After training as a biomedical scientist, I worked in science education at the Smithsonian, and in public outreach for two scientific organizations, the American Society of Human Genetics and the American Society for Microbiology. At IDF, I manage website articles, print publications, and the communications needs of colleagues in the research and public policy departments. I am also the staff liaison to the Medical Advisory Committee (MAC).

Personal  
I love music and am slightly deaf from going to so many concerts. I knit socks to relax. I am 100% a nerd.

Fun fact 
In high school, I won an essay contest that I ended up running 15 years later at the American Society for Human Genetics.

Education 
I have a bachelor’s degree in cell and molecular biology and genetics from the University of Maryland, College Park, and a doctorate in biochemistry and molecular biology from the University of California, San Francisco. For my thesis, I studied the blood stage lifecycle of the parasite that causes malaria.

Communications manager of digital media

(he/him/his)

Professional 
I started my career in communications as a writer, videographer, and editor of autobody repair instructional videos. Later, I worked in video and social media for a public relations firm representing local utility cooperatives. Since joining the IDF team, I've used my passion for telling empathetic stories about the human experience to create podcasts, videos, and, most recently, IDF’s first feature documentary, “Compromised: Life Without Immunity.”

Personal  
I’ve often been described as a nervous hippie. I love video games, film, and television, and cooking unnecessarily complicated dishes. I live in Alabama with my wife, three dogs, and a bird.

Fun fact 
I’m a gigantic nerd. I’ll talk your ear off about the philosophy of science fiction and fantasy. At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, I served as Dungeon Master for a series of charity Dungeons & Dragons livestreams that raised nearly $10,000 for medical supplies and equality initiatives.

Education 
I studied theatre at Northeast Alabama Community College before finishing my bachelor’s degree in communications and creative writing at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Communications manager of digital communities

(she/her/hers)

Professional 
After becoming a social worker, I focused my career on digital communication and education in healthcare, educating patients/clients and growing communities through email and social media marketing. I create IDF social media content, manage the IDF Friends platform, promote events, and craft email campaigns. My passion is ensuring the primary immunodeficiency community stays informed about IDF’s invaluable resources and how to access them. Connecting people to support is so rewarding.

Personal 
I love to garden and read in my free time, and on the weekends, you’ll find me hiking and baking sourdough.

Fun fact 
I have a knack for remembering song lyrics easily (too easily because multiple songs are always stuck in my head!) and I’m terrible at choosing shows or movies on Netflix, which is probably why I’ve watched all seven seasons of Gilmore Girls more than 10 times. When I was in high school the MTV show “Made” filmed an episode and my friends and I were on MTV… for a second.

Education 
I hold a bachelor’s degree in psychology and English literature from Appalachian State University.

Communications manager of population health

(she/her/hers)

Professional 
After two decades as a journalist (and a few years as a social worker and teacher), I joined IDF as a content writer. I interview doctors, persons with PI, and other health partners, and research a broad range of PI topics. Through my stories, I profile the lives of people living with PI and share medical and health information. Don’t be surprised if you get an email or phone call from me asking for your time. I’m devoted to ensuring you remain informed about all facets of PI.

Personal 
A resident of Maryland, I enjoy long walks and runs around the neighborhood, watching live music and theater, swimming in the ocean, traveling anywhere, and eating steamed blue crabs and corn on the cob in the summer with family and friends.

Fun fact 
I spent two summers scuba diving with sea turtles, sharks, and barracuda off the coast of Belize.

Education 
I hold a bachelor’s degree in English/writing from Towson University and a Master of Arts (MA) in graphic design/writing from the University of Baltimore.

Communications manager of constituent engagement

(she/her/hers)

Professional  
I began my professional career as a marketing coordinator for the kids clothing brand, 77kids, by American Eagle. After American Eagle discontinued the kid's brand, I transitioned to an area director role for a non-profit called Young Life. While working for Young Life, I was responsible for recruiting, training, and supervising volunteers, paid staff, program participants, and donations. In 2023, I joined the communications team at IDF. I have loved getting to help our community through my work with the Plasma Hero initiative and by coordinating publications that our constituents receive, such as the IDF Advocate newsletter and the IDF immunoglobulin product booklet. 

Personal 
My mini Australian labradoodle, Zoe, and I love to go on hikes and sit out in the yard in central Pennsylvania where we read books, listen to birds, and watch the sunset over the Appalachian mountains. 

Fun fact 
I won a national title in competitive dance when I was in high school.

Education 
I hold a bachelor's degree in marketing from the University of Pittsburgh College of Business Administration and a Master of Arts (MA) in ministry leadership from the Fuller Theological Seminary.

Manager of donor communications

(she, her, hers)

Professional 
As the manager of donor communications, I assist with all items related to fundraising communications, such as appeal campaigns, emails, text messages, and social media. In my position, I utilize marketing to help raise much-needed funds for the PI community.

Personal  
In my free time from work and graduate school, I enjoy paddleboarding, doing hot yoga, reading, going to the beach, taking my dog (rescued from Kuwait) on long walks, and traveling.

Fun fact 
Once a day, I name all 197 countries in the world on Sporcle. 

Education 
I am currently working on my Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Mount St. Mary's University, and I received my undergraduate degree from James Madison University.

Chief development officer

(she/her/hers)

Professional 
I am a development professional with a 25-year journey in the non-profit sector, where I have honed my expertise in development, operations, and strategic planning. I’ve held leadership roles at the American Diabetes Association, Business Executives for National Security, and the Woodruff Arts Center. 

My passion for creating impactful partnerships and driving measurable change led me to join IDF in 2021. As chief development officer, I work closely with the CEO, leadership team, and board to facilitate short- and long-term strategic plans. I cultivate a culture of philanthropy, ensuring that fund development aligns with IDF's values, vision, and mission. I manage the operations development function and oversee development activities in coordination with the advancement staff. My team drives a diversified revenue strategy, attracting and retaining impactful corporate partners and engaged individual donors.

Personal 
I love to read and my favorite author is Jane Austen. Fly fishing and flea antiquing are also high on my list besides spending time with family.

Fun fact  
I am an identical twin, and my sister and I are often mistaken for one another in business meetings and traveling.

Education 
I hold a bachelor’s degree in sociology and women's studies from Trinity College in Washington D.C.

Donor and volunteer relations coordinator

(she/her/hers)

Professional 
I spent several years as a political fundraiser before joining the team at IDF. In my role, I steward donors by providing them with any support they need. I recruit, onboard, and work closely with volunteers for our Walk for PI events, held in cities across the country. I also oversee sponsorship fulfillment for the development team to ensure that our sponsors receive benefits promptly. 

Personal  
I am a lifelong Maryland resident. I enjoy working out, hanging out with my dog, traveling the world, and sports (Go Lakers and Steelers!). 

Fun fact 
I am an avid sneaker collector and I box.

Education 
I attended the University of Maryland and earned a bachelor’s degree with honors in psychology and communication.

Development manager

(she/her/hers)

Professional 
As development manager for IDF, I oversee outreach, retention, and management of Walk for PI events. I also manage DIY fundraising efforts and Facebook fundraising. In my past positions, I worked in development through community outreach and corporate engagement as a liaison to corporations connected to nonprofits. I was also engaged in peer-to-peer fundraising through giving events and online giving.

Personal 
I like to swim, play tennis, and thrift in different cities I travel to across the world (Dublin has great thrift stores).

Fun fact 
I was voted most humorous in my class in high school. I am also a first-generation college student in my family so the value of access to education is important to me.

Education 
I hold a bachelor's degree in corporate communication from Lamar University.

Development manager of strategic partnerships

Professional 
In my role as a development manager of strategic partnerships, I engage corporations in IDF's mission while diversifying our revenue to ensure our patients continue to feel supported. I collaborate with current partners to ensure alignment and welcome prospective organizations. I have six years of experience in non-profit development in the healthcare sector. Before joining IDF, I served as a development officer at the McLeod Health Foundation where I generated philanthropic support for hospice and palliative care programs. I also served the American Red Cross as an account manager of biomedical services working to ensure hospitals had an adequate supply of blood for patients.

Personal 
I love to travel. I enjoy planning my travel almost as much as the trip itself. I enjoy entertaining family and friends and anyone who is up for trying one of my new recipes.

Fun fact 
In the warmer months, you will find me by the South Carolina coast. I enjoy a nice beach day filled with a good book and the sound of waves.

Education 
I hold a bachelor's degree in marketing with a minor in public relations from Anderson University. I am also a graduate of the Francis Marion University Fred R. Sheheen Non-Profit Institute.

Development manager of strategic partnerships

Professional 
My entire career has been in the non-profit sector. Before joining IDF, I worked with health care, public media, and a local zoo. I have experience in many areas related to development, including sponsorship, event planning and logistics, direct mail, and peer-to-peer fundraising. As a development manager of strategic partnerships for IDF, I collaborate with our current and prospective partners to secure funding for IDF. I also work to identify new partnership opportunities to diversify revenue and promote IDF and our mission.

Personal 
I love to travel and see the world. I'm a huge fan of visiting unique and offbeat museums and attractions (the quirkier the better) and I am currently working on visiting all the baseball stadiums and Presidential libraries in the United States.

Fun fact 
I have visited all 50 states. South Dakota is my favorite and I try to get back for a visit every year.

Education 
I received my bachelor of arts degree from Alvernia University where I double majored in political science and history.

Senior director of education and community services

(she/her/hers)

Professional 
I have a background in child and family studies and worked as a certified child life specialist, providing psychosocial support, diagnosis, and procedural education to hospitalized children and their families. I joined IDF in 2018 to oversee the development of SCID Compass, an educational program to support families and healthcare professionals. Through SCID Compass, I initiated the creation of IDF’s virtual and diagnosis-specific programming. I now guide IDF’s core mission work related to community and clinician education, support services, outreach, and medical programs.

Personal 
I am a native of Cincinnati, Ohio, but I have lived in Maryland for over a decade. My husband and I spend our off-work hours chasing after our toddler and English setter.

Fun Fact 
Several years ago, I participated in a local recreational skeeball league with friends. One year, my team was the city-wide champions at skeeball!

Education 
I hold a bachelor’s degree in child and family studies from Ohio University, a master’s degree in public health (MPH) from George Washington University, and a leadership certificate from Yale University School of Management.

Manager of medical programs

(she/her/hers)

Professional 
I began my nursing career in 1986 as a pediatric nurse in North Carolina. I also worked for a home health care agency and our children’s pediatrician. When we moved to Pennsylvania, I worked for the PA Medical Society before joining IDF in 2017. As the manager of medical programs, I educate families and clinicians nationwide on issues related to PI diagnosis and treatment. I manage the Clinician Finder, and the Consulting Immunologist Program, and serve as the Nurse Advisory Committee (NAC) staff liaison.

Personal  
We have been a part of the IDF community for about three decades. We have two young adult children with common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) and I was diagnosed 10 years ago. Our family also has two amazing caregivers—our eldest son and my husband. IDF has played a significant part in our family’s journey. I also love to read, travel, and listen to music.

Fun fact 
We have been raising service dogs for Susquehanna Service Dogs for several years. One of the puppies we raised, SSD Whitney, attended the 2019 IDF National Conference and went to Capital Hill for Advocacy Day. 

Education 
I received my Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) with a minor in psychology from Queens University.

Program manager of support services

(she/her/hers)

Professional 
I assumed the role of program manager of support services at IDF in March 2024. In this position, I oversee the administration of IDF’s Get Connected Groups and Peer Support Program. Before my role at IDF, I worked in the nonprofit sector for 10 years, focusing on social services for children and families, individuals with severe mental illness, and patient access.

Personal 
I enjoy my role as a devoted wife and mother. I live in Texas with my loving husband, two children, and two shepherd dogs.

Fun fact 
You will find our family frequently at the gym, at least three days a week, for competitive gymnastics with our 5-year-old son, who also has a specific antibody deficiency. 

Education 
I hold a bachelor’s degree in child development from Texas Woman's University and a Master of Public Administration (MPA) from the University of Texas at Arlington.

Program manager of education 

(she/her/hers)

Professional 
After spending several years in nonprofit development and community engagement for various healthcare organizations, I joined IDF in 2021. I plan, organize, and host our virtual education offerings including IDF Webinars and our diagnosis-specific education series, and plan programming for the PI conference. I also led educational programming and community outreach for the last several years of the SCID Compass Program. I consider it an immense privilege to engage with some of the nation’s top clinicians, offering timely and innovative programming to our patients and families. I am passionate about educating our community and especially enjoy delving into topics related to clinical trials and newborn screening for the rarer forms of PI. 

Personal 
A lifelong Marylander, I enjoy camping, kayaking on the Chesapeake Bay, tending to my indoor plant collection, cooking, and being outside with my husband, son, and dog. 

Fun fact 
I am an avid theme park enthusiast and enjoy learning about the history and lore behind various parks and attractions around the world.

Education 
I received two bachelor’s degrees, one in communications and one in community health education from Salisbury University. I hold my certified health education specialist (CHES) certification from the National Commission on Health Education Credentialing.

Director of education 

(she/her/hers)

Professional 
With over eight years of experience driving results in the nonprofit sector, I joined the IDF family after serving in a leadership capacity at my state’s organ procurement organization. In this role, I provided support and clinical education to hospital staff involved in the referral and case management of organ and tissue donors. Before working in a direct care setting, I proudly oversaw community grants, events, and advocacy initiatives that advanced the health and well-being of underserved South Carolinians. 

Personal  
I’m a Southerner, through and through. Driven by the value of inclusion, I proudly put the “all” in “y’all.” When I’m not brainstorming creative ways to serve and engage the PI community, I’m jamming out to music or spending time in the great outdoors with my beloved goldendoodle and husband.

Fun fact  
I have the best recipe for chocolate cake, I promise.

Education 
I hold a bachelor’s degree in public health with a minor in sociology from the University of South Carolina (the original USC). Go Gamecocks!

Program manager of outreach

(she/her/hers)

Professional 
I launched my professional career serving my county as a family resources and community services social worker. For 11 years, I helped families strengthen their parenting skills, obtain resources, and find community support. In 2022, I transitioned my passion for education, connection, and community into my role as program manager of outreach at IDF. I design virtual and in-person programs that foster connections within the PI community for families and young people and coordinate the IDF Youth Advisory Committee. I also translate IDF resources into Spanish. 

Personal 
I like to paddleboard the twin rivers of Eastern North Carolina, where I reside. I am active in the local theater and arts community and enjoy history, hiking, traveling, and documentaries. Fluent in Spanish and a master of paella, I bring a touch of my Hispanic culture to everything I do.

Fun fact 
I am an aerialist, a sport where I use silks to perform aerial acrobatics.

Education 
I hold a bachelor's of social work with a minor in child development from East Carolina University. I am also a certified clinical ABC Parent Coach through the University of Delaware’s Attachment Bio-behavioral Catch-up Intervention program.

Community resource manager

Professional 
As a community resource navigator, I help our community locate necessary resources. This includes answering questions about medical issues, insurance navigation, immunoglobulin (Ig) replacement therapy coverage, and financial assistance. My career history includes working with immune deficiency patients on Ig therapy at a specialty pharmacy and as a field reimbursement manager and case manager for pharmaceutical companies.

Personal 
I enjoy spending time with my husband and four children going to the beach, hiking, and traveling. I also enjoy CrossFit and playing soccer in a women's league on the weekends.

Unique Fact 
I have an adult child with an immune deficiency and have navigated this world with him for 22 years.

Education 
I have a bachelor's degree in non-profit management.

Chief financial officer (CFO)

Experience 
After three years of performing accounting duties in a manufacturing environment, I transitioned to a career in nonprofit accounting in 2000 and joined IDF in 2012. As CFO, I concentrate primarily on budgeting, financial statements, and ensuring the financial health of IDF.

Personal 
I am originally from West Virginia but moved to Maryland in 2000. I am proud to be from West Virginia, where my parents raised my brother and I and taught us to have integrity, maintain a strong work ethic, stay humble, and always be kind to others. I have been married to my husband, Mark, since 2006.

Fun Fact 
I love reading. Sometimes I talk to my cat, Penny, if my husband is not listening to me ramble on. I would love to go to Scotland.

Education 
I hold a bachelor’s degree in finance from Concord College and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from West Virginia University. While I am proud of my formal educational achievements, the best education I have received is “life.”

Accounting specialist

(she/her/hers)

Professional 
My career includes administrative work in the property management field, being a mortgage processor, and working as an accounting clerk at a major law firm before joining the accounting team at IDF in 2015. 

Personal 
I spend most of my time with my four grandchildren. I enjoy watching their lacrosse games and dance and theater performances and babysitting the younger future athletes and artists.

Fun fact 
I am the reigning champion of the IDF staff PI(e) eating contest. 

Education 
I hold an associate degree in accounting from the Community College of Baltimore County.

Accounting manager

Professional 
I have over three decades of accounting experience and began my tenure with IDF in 2010.

Education 
I hold an associate degree in data processing and a bachelor’s degree in finance.

Accounting clerk

(she/her/hers)

Professional 
I have over 20 years of experience in data entry, administration, and accounting in both for-profit and nonprofit industries. After getting married, I pivoted my work focus to a profession with regular hours and fewer emergency situations to be more conducive to family life. While raising our two sons, I worked as the executive assistant to the director of a Christian camp in Pennsylvania, handling all financial aspects of the operations. 

Personal  
I live in Colorado with my husband and two dogs, close to our oldest son. We enjoy hiking and getting ice cream regularly. 

Education 
I hold a bachelor’s degree in veterinary medical technology.

Chief public policy officer

(she/her/hers)

Professional 
After beginning my career practicing disability law in Maryland, I transitioned to working as a legislative advocate on healthcare policy focusing on mental health and disabilities. I joined IDF in 2016 and currently lead the public policy team advocating for improved healthcare access before decision-makers in state and federal government and private insurance companies. I spend much of my time on Capitol Hill educating legislators on issues related to access to treatments, research, telehealth, and newborn screening. I also lead the Immunocompromised Collaborative, representing patient groups impacted by being immunocompromised. 

Personal 
I live in Howard County, Maryland, and have two grown children, a son who lives nearby and a daughter who lives in California. I enjoy hiking with my husband throughout Maryland, swimming laps, and traveling with friends and family. 

Fun fact 
I advocate before my local county council on behalf of my community in Shipley’s Grant. (This is only fun for wonks like me.)

Education 
I hold a bachelor’s degree from Union College with a joint major in philosophy and political science and a juris doctor from the George Washington University National Law Center.

Director of state policy

(he/him/his)

Professional 
I am a health policy professional with experience advocating at the state and federal levels. I joined IDF in 2022 and lead our state legislative efforts. My role involves working with our grassroots volunteers, coalition partners, and elected representatives to advance legislative efforts that support the PI community.

Personal  
I live in Virginia Beach, Virginia, and enjoy spending time with my family in and around the water. Outside of work, you can find me surfing, fishing, at my son’s soccer practice, or on the golf course. 

Fun fact 
I am a proud, third-generation Arsenal Football (soccer for us Americans) Club supporter.

Education 
I have a bachelor’s degree in biology and a Master of Public Health (MPH) from East Carolina University. Go Pirates!

Grassroots advocacy specialist

(she/her/hers)

Professional 
After interning with IDF in the winter and spring of 2020, I joined the organization full-time in my current role in the summer of that year. I coordinate grassroots advocacy efforts at the federal, state, and local levels. It is so important that IDF’s volunteer advocates connect with their legislators, regulators, and other officials to raise their voices and influence policies affecting the PI community. I am inspired by the passion and resilience shown by IDF’s advocates. As IDF pursues the growth and maintenance of a strong network of advocates, I follow my passion for ensuring all feel empowered to share their stories and make their voices heard.

Personal  
I enjoy the outdoors, so my idea of a perfect weekend is filled with hiking and backcountry camping. Growing up on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, I love spending time on the water or at the beach with my family, soaking in the salty air and sunshine. Traveling internationally to experience new places and cultures is another passion of mine. 

Fun fact 
You might find me practicing amateur jam/rhythm skating at my local parks in Baltimore.

Education 
I hold a bachelor's degree in political science and economics from Towson University.

Director of payer relations and policy

(she/her/hers)

Professional 
Having had a child with PI, I invested in the medical profession and trained to become a medical assistant at the Ohio Institute of Health Careers. My focus has always been on helping patients and guiding them to needed resources. I spent a decade in the PI consumer advocate and patient navigator space before joining IDF. I supported patients in my role as the response behind Ask IDF before taking the position of director of payer relations and policy to help patients access to equitable, affordable access to life-sustaining therapies.

Education 
I hold a medical assistant certification from the Ohio Institute of Health Careers.

Regulatory affairs manager

(he/him/his)

Professional 
I joined the IDF team in 2024 after working for the Asian Pacific Institute for Congressional Studies on programs designed to increase Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islander representation in public service. In my role, I engage with government agencies, patient coalitions, and legislators on policy to improve access to treatments and encourage the development of new therapies for the PI community. At every level of the advocacy process, I continue to pursue my passion for advancing health equity and addressing the unmet needs of vulnerable populations, including those affected by PI.

Personal 
I am very adventurous and enjoy traveling to new places, exploring restaurants, and attending pop-up events where I live in Washington, DC.

Fun fact 
I play pick-up soccer three to four times a week; it's my favorite way to decompress after a long day.

Education 
I received dual degrees in international global studies and LatinX studies from Brandeis University, with minors in economics, social policy, and politics.

Vice president of research

Professional 
With a master’s degree in public policy/public administration and a focus on survey research design and methodology, I wanted to blend my analytic and altruistic sides in a professional career. I found my way to IDF in 2007, and today, I am at the helm of IDF Survey, Research Grant, Registry, and Futures programs. You may find my PI research contributions in numerous medical journals. I enjoy being part of an organization that seeks a healthier day, every day, for every person with immune deficiency.

Personal  
Originally from New York, I am now a Marylander. When not on the IDF clock, I love to cook, run, hike, travel, and spend time with my family and our two dogs, Lykos and Lila.

Fun fact 
I am part owner of a craft brewery and often visit other similar establishments. So if you ever pop into a Maryland craft brewery and hear someone talking about primary immunodeficiencies, come say hello—it’s probably me.

Education 
I hold a bachelor’s degree in political science from McDaniel College and a Master of Public Administration (MPA) from the University of Baltimore.

USIDNET project manager

(she/her/hers)

Professional 
With nine years of experience at IDF, I have dedicated my career to research administration and management. I have extensive experience across multiple roles and oversee all programmatic and operational aspects of IDF registry initiatives. I act as a liaison fostering collaboration between investigators, stakeholders, vendors, and internal teams. Honing my skills in clinical data management, I curate, organize, and ensure the integrity of complex datasets, while upholding robust protocols. I enjoy leveraging my skills in problem-solving to streamline workflows and drive improvement in strategic data and research management solutions.

Personal 
In my free time, I enjoy traveling, hiking, and spending time outdoors. I am an avid reader, and crafter/DIYer, and love finding inspiration in music, art, and new culinary experiences.

Fun fact 
I won “Best Eyes” as a senior superlative in high school.

Education 
I graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in psychology.

Chief technology officer

Director of technology

(he/him/his)

Professional 
I joined IDF in 2010 as the electronic marketing manager. Now, as the director of technology, I oversee and safeguard Microsoft 365 operations.

Personal  
I currently reside in Maryland.

Education 
I attended college in the United Kingdom where I studied graphic design focusing on visual communication and creative problem-solving techniques.

Salesforce administrator

(he/him/his)

Professional 
With over seven years of experience in the information technology field, I have been instrumental in helping companies optimize their processes through innovative technology solutions. My work spans various industries and expands efforts to connect with and support communities.

Personal 
Born and raised in North Carolina, I reside in the Charlotte area with my wife and son. We enjoy exploring local trails, trying new restaurants, and documenting our adventures together.

Fun Fact 
I'm a huge movie buff, and my all-time favorite film is "Never Back Down."

Education 
I am a 2X Salesforce certified consultant with over 40 certifications, including those from Microsoft, Google, and various technology boot camps. I plan to pursue a degree in computer science.